Housing Recovery Could Lead to Uncovered Pest Problems

According to the National Association of Realtors®, "existing-home sales continued to recover in the first quarter with gains reported in 49 states and the District of Columbia." In the south, "existing-home sales increased 8.5 percent." While we are excited that the housing market is on the rebound, it's important for prospective homeowners to take caution when purchasing a home and obtain a pest inspection from a licensed pest professional.

While all homes, new or old, should receive a professional inspection for pests, foreclosed homes need extra attention because they may have been uninhabited for a long period of time. These empty homes create the perfect breeding ground for pests. A pest inspection can provide future homeowners a glimpse of any pest infestations - past or present. Pest control companies will provide a certificate after the inspection guaranteeing their work for a period of time which can provide additional peace of mind when making this large investment.

When a licensed pest professional inspects a home, they are looking for structural damage and signs of an infestation. For our customers living in the south, there are two pests in particular to be on the lookout for: termites and rodents. Termites are a $5 billion a year problem, rarely covered by homeowners' insurance. Silent destroyers, termites can take up residence in a home for years, eating away at the structure from the inside out.

House mice, roof rats and other rodents can also be a problem. They can cause structural damage to a home and chew through electrical wire, potentially causing a fire. Rodents can also harm humans, causing allergies in children through droplets of their urine. They can also bring other unwanted pests into the home including fleas, mites, ticks and lice.

When looking for a new home, be sure to not rush the process and always obtain a pest inspection by a licensed pest professional. Here's to happy home buying this spring!